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Download April 2015 – Rabies - Otonabee Animal Hospital
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Otonabee Animal Hospital “Going the distance for you and your pet!” (705) 743-4936 www.otonabah.com https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Otonabee-Animal-Hospital/298005720583?fref=ts April 2015 Newsletter Rabies What is it? Rabies is a virus and is one of the most devastating diseases affecting mammals, including dogs and humans. The danger of a bite from a rabid dog was described in writings dated from the 23rd century BC. It is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Can I catch rabies? Yes, the disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from an animal to man. It is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. Should I vaccinate my dog, cat or ferret? Yes! Regular rabies vaccination is required by law in North America, (even for animals that never go outside.) Dogs and cats between the ages of twelve and sixteen weeks should be vaccinated. Rabies revaccination is dependent on state or provincial law. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate revaccination intervals. Are rabies clinics the best place to get this done? While rabies clinics appear to be more cost effective at a glance, this is not necessarily so. Vaccinations are given without the benefit of a full medical examination, meaning that if there is any underlying health issue with your pet, it stands no chance of being detected, and giving a vaccination could in fact be harmful! Vaccinations administered to an unhealthy animal may fail to provide immunity and on top of that, the animal’s immune system, which should be fighting illness, may be diverted to handle the vaccine. In addition to this, the shots (which are $5 less at OAH than at local rabies clinics) have to be repeated annually at rabies clinics, whereas those given at your vets (after the initial 1 year booster) can be given every 3 years. Visit these links for more information on rabies & rabies prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/rabies-the-great-pretender https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/vaccination-and-your-dog http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/vaccines-for-cats (lots of info in the last two, but scroll down to read about rabies specifically)
